Legends doubt Kimmich's captaincy after Klopp's decision
In the training camp of the German national team, while the players are completing their warm‑up, former captains discuss the future of Joshua Kimmich as team leader. The debate has gained momentum after Jürgen Klopp did not name the Bayern professional as captain for the matches against Serbia and Greece.
Legends Question Kimmich's Captaincy
Oliver Kahn, Michael Ballack and Lothar Matthäus – all former DFB captain figures – have taken a clear stance. Kahn says the situation of the 31‑year‑old Bayern professional has changed under the new national coach and feels that Kimmich is no longer a hundred percent guaranteed. He emphasizes that Kimmich so far cannot point to any major successes with the national team that would strengthen his standing.
For Kimmich's role as a leader on the pitch, Kahn sees an additional challenge, because the existing roles in the team must be reassessed. The change on the coaching bench forces the squad to rethink the internal hierarchies.
Michael Ballack interprets Klopp's approach differently and sees Kimmich's absence from the second squad as an opportunity to test personnel solutions. “I also see no one who could replace him at the moment,” said the 50‑year‑old former captain to RTL. Nevertheless, he does not fundamentally question the captaincy and asked rhetorically: “Who else should become captain?”
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Lothar Matthäus emphasizes that what matters is who delivers performance on the pitch. “If Kimmich delivers the performance, then he is naturally set,” explained the record national player. At the same time, he pointed out that Kimmich could lose his place should a competitor emerge stronger.
Klopp Has More Options in Midfield
Jürgen Klopp has several alternatives in central midfield, which he already used in the 2‑0 win against Serbia. Aleksandar Pavlovic and Tom Bischof took their chance and impressed together in the control centre.
The national coach does not want the personnel decision to spark a fundamental Kimmich debate so far. A permanent shift in the hierarchy cannot yet be inferred from the recent matches. With Pavlovic, Bischof and other candidates he has created real competition for Kimmich's position.
The ongoing discussion shows that Kimmich's status as team leader is no longer a given. Whether he retains his role will depend in the future on his performance and on Klopp's tactical decisions.